Narrows Nature Reserve - Biking STEMmersion (Visited May 24th 2016)
by: Sam Bartnik, Ajaya Shelton, and Sarah Penick
Theme: The Little Miami River Ecosystem
On May 24, 2016, we went to the Narrows Nature Reserve in Beavercreek, Ohio. While we were there, we hiked and looked at the ecosystem of the Little Miami River. To begin, our teacher Mr. Harding took us hiking on one of the trails available. While we were walking around, we saw a diverse range of wildlife. We even saw a black rat snake, a snapping turtle, and a toad!
While hiking, we found a large tree that you could walk out on over the river, and since it had no actual climbing involved we assumed it was safe. Worst-case scenario, someone falls into the river, right? After the third person climbed on, they noticed there was a snapping turtle underneath. Seeing that snapping turtle and so much wildlife just on the trail taught us to watch out in tall grass for snakes, poison ivy, and other animals/insects to make sure you won’t get bitten or hurt.
To get to Narrows Nature Reserve, we biked and took the Iron
Horse trail until it connected with the Creekside trail, then rode down Factory Road until we reached the reserve. One way, the trip was around 7-8 miles. Let it be noted that Factory Road intersects a very busy section of highway - be cautious when crossing it by bike!
I like how you included examples of what you learned from visiting The Narrows, like to watch for animals and insects in tall grass.
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